WATERLOO, ON - Western closed out the weekend with two intense matches, battling through long rallies and big momentum swings on both nights. Although they lost their second match after a long winning streak, the girls will surely bounce back stronger to finish the season.
Friday, Janurary 30
GAME RECAP
Western opened the match in a tight first set, trading points with Waterloo early. Waterloo pulled ahead behind strong serving and steady offense, while Western stayed close with timely kills and solid defense. Late in the set, Waterloo put together a short run to create separation and held on to take the opener 25-23/
The second set was another back-and-forth battle that pushed past the 25-point mark. Western built small leads at different points, using good blocking and smart swings, but Waterloo answered each run. With the score tied late, Waterloo advantaged with a few key points to edge out the set 26-24.
Western responded well in the third set, coming out with energy and control. Strong serving helped Western jump ahead early, and they maintained pressure with consistent offense throughout the set. Waterloo made a late push, but Western stayed composed and closed out the set 25-21.
The fourth set belonged to Western from the start. A strong serving run gave them an early lead, and they continued to build momentum with clean plays at the net. Waterloo struggled to find answers as Western controlled the pace the rest of the way, finishing the match with a 25-15 win.
Saturday, January 31
GAME RECAP
Western and Waterloo opened the match with a tight first set that stayed close almost the entire way. Both teams traded points early, with Western finding success off quick swings and a few service runs to build small leads. Waterloo answered late, putting pressure on Western with steady offense and ensuring to get key points down the stretch. Waterloo edged out the set 25-23 to take an early lead.
Western bounced back strongly in the second set and controlled the pace from the start. A long run helped Western jump ahead early, and they kept the pressure on with consistent attacking and solid blocking at the net. Waterloo tried to slow the momentum, but Western stayed composed and closed the set comfortably 25-16.
The third set swung back in Waterloo's favor after another close start. Western battled through long rallies and stayed within reach, but Waterloo slowly pulled ahead with a few scoring runs. Despite Western fighting late to close the gap, Waterloo finished the set 25-22.
Western responded again in the fourth set with energy and focus. Strong defense and clean swings helped them build an early lead, and they continued to push Waterloo out of rhythm. Western controlled the middle of the set and finished strong to take it 25-20, forcing a fifth set.
The fifth set saw Waterloo jump out quickly and apply pressure right away. Western worked to slow the run and picked up points through timely kills, but Waterloo stayed in control and didn't let the lead slip. Waterloo closed out the match in the final set 15-10.
NEXT GAME
Next weekend, the Mustangs play at home against the York Lions for a 1:00pm start time on Friday. Join the game in person or live on OUA.tv!
